Mary Kile
Mary G. Kile, 103 of Rogue River died April 5 in Grants Pass. A funeral service will be held April 13 at 11:00 am at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel with son-in-law Jack Zieser officiation.
She was born December 29, 1902 in Whiting, IA to George and Mary Mercer. She moved to the Rogue Valley from Wisconsin in 1937. On May 25, 1921 she married Lee John Kile, who preceded her in death. From 1946 to 1950 they owned a restaurant in Rogue River called Mary's Lunch.
She was a charter and lifetime member of VFW Post 4116 of Rogue River.
She enjoyed reading, cooking and gardening. She loved her grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Raymond; one sister and four brothers.
She is survived by sons George Kile and Byran "Tut" Kile of Rogue River and James Kile of Medford; daughters Katherine "Pat" Zieser and Jennette "Jean" Hawkins of Rogue River and Anna Lee Davis of Converse, TX; 20 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
William Fitzpatrick
William "Fitz" Fitzpatrick, 90, of Rogue River, died Wednesday, December 21 at Fairview Transitional Health Care Center.
No services are planned. Southern Oregon Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.
Frank Rinehart
Frank Walter Rinehart, 68, of Rogue River, left earth December 20, 2005 to be with Jesus and celebrate His birthday with Him.
Frank was born August 1, 1937 in Grand Island, NE. He moved to West Los Angeles, CA where he graduated from University High School in 1955. He entered the U.S. Air Force that same year and was Honorably Discharged in 1959. In 1960 he met Jaye MacDermot, of Trail, OR and they were married in 1961 in Santa Barbara, CA.
In 1961 Frank began his career as an Ironworker. In 1982 he became the Superintendent of Nationwide Construction from which he retired in 1994 and moved to his favorite little town of Rogue River.
He loved his wife and family unabashedly, and loved the game of golf even when he played poorly.
Survivors include his wife, Jaye, son Mark (and Ramona) of Alsea, OR, son Brian (and Lynn) of Anaheim Hills, CA, son Dale (and Renee) of Parker, CO, and son Keith (and Linda) of Beaverton, OR. He has seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Also a sister, Agnes Madden of Northridge, CA, a brother, Jim Rinehart of Simi Valley, CA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held January 7, 2006 at 1:00 pm at Memory Gardens in Medford. Pastor Paul West of the Rogue River Assembly of God will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Rogue River Assembly of God Youth Department, 270 West Evans Creek Rd., Rogue River, OR 97537.
Helen Jentzsch
Former Rogue River resident Helen R. Jentzsch, 87, of Grants Pass died December 18, 2005 in Grants Pass.
Services were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Savage Street. Conger-Morris Central Point Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Jentzsch was born May 16, 1918, in Salt Lake City. She earned a bachelor's degree in teaching in 1952 from the University of Utah. In 1959, she moved to Rogue River and lived in the Evans Valley area until 1984, when she moved to Grants Pass.
She taught at Evans Valley School from 1961 until her retirement in 1982.
During that time, she received a scholarship to the University of Oregon and she earned her master's degree in learning and behavior disorders in 1968.
She was a Master Gardener and received her certificate from Oregon State University in 1984.
She also wrote about gardening for the Rogue River Press.
Survivors include eight children, Pauline Jakobsen, Robyn Beal, Karl and Randy Jentzsch, Micki Hamblin, Susan Greene, Rosemerri Rollins and Rochelle Ford; 35 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
Pauline Haywood
Pauline C. Haywood, 95 of Rogue River, died Monday, January 2 at Three Rivers Community Hospital.
Arrangements are pending with Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.
Robert Dresbach
A Memorial Service celebration was held for Robert Dresbach on January 1, 2006 at 2:00 pm in the Rose Villa Fellowship Hall in Milwaukie, OR. Robert died in his home on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 after a long battle with cancer.
Robert was born in Orlando, CA on December 3, 1921 and has lived in Portland with his wife Margaret (Margo), since 1984. He graduated from Rogue River High School after which he served in the Coast Guard as a Pharmacist's Mate during World War II. He then graduated from the University of Oregon and attended two years of graduate school at Syracuse University in New York.
Robert is survived by his wife of 21 years, Margo Dresbach; his daughter from a previous marriage, Terry Dresbach of Pasadena, CA; three step-children, Bradley Charters and Cathy Stingley both of Homer, AK and Luanne May and her husband Mark of Coos Bay, OR.
The memorial was presided over by Robert's friend of over twenty years, Mike Buck.
Robert was an avid reader and library supporter. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to any library or to Compassion and Choices in Robert's name.
Walter Anderson
Walter M. Anderson, 89, of Rogue River, died Sunday, December 18, 2005 at Royale Gardens Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Family services will be held in California.
He was born January 17, 1916 in Hoffman, MN. From 1942 to 1945 during World War II he served in the United States Army in the European Theatre. He worked as a truck driver hauling lumber for Apex in California. In 1987 he moved from Petaluma, CA where he had a small horse ranch to Rogue River.
He was a member of the Good Sam Club in Rogue River.
He especially enjoyed going to auctions.
Survivors include two sisters, Selma Anderson and Edna Jensen both of Santa Rosa, CA; and a brother, Albert Anderson of Paradise, CA.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Arthur, Carl and Clarence; and a sister, Myrtle.
Dorothy Anderson
Dorothy E. Anderson, 91, of Rogue River, died Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at an adult care home.
Arrangements are pending with Southern Oregon Cremation Services.
Richard Sewell
Richard LeRoy Sewell, 79, of Rogue River, died Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at his home.
No services will be held. Chapel of the Valley - L.B. Hall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
He was born June 6, 1926 in Preston, KS to Jim and Bessie Sewell. On January 23, 1952 in Medford, OR, he married Betty Lucille Fry, who survives. He was a mechanic and machinist for truck parts and owned his own business in Rogue River for 30 years.
He loved to play poker.
In addition to his wife, survivors include one stepdaughter, Mary Gates of Everett, WA, two sisters, Billie Weidenhaft of Springfield, OR; Irene Weidenhaft of Coos Bay, OR; one half-brother, Bill Bethany of Jacksonville, OR; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Minnie Patterson
Minnie M. Patterson, 90 of Bothell, WA, died on December 23, 2005.
Minnie was born in Dunseth, North Dakota. She and her husband, Eugene, moved to Bothell, WA 2-1/2 years ago to live with their grandson and his family. Prior to that, they resided at The Golden Rogue Estates in Rogue River for 25 years. They left behind many close friends and alot of great memories. She was married to Eugene for 30 years. Eugene passed away in June, 2004. She will be laid to rest with Eugene at Eagle Point National Cemetery. Minnie left behind a daughter, Leslie Peters, who resides in Kirby, Vermont; Two grandsons, Dale Miller of Bothell, Washington and Matthew Peters of Griswold, Connecticut; and a great granddaughter, Megan Miller, of Bothell, Washington. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. at the Community of Christ Church- 2060 Harbek Rd., Grants Pass.
Blake Kilburn
Blake Kilburn, 77, of Rogue River died Thursday January 12 at his home.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Grants Pass Funeral Alternatives is in charge of arrangements.
He was born April 3, 1928 in San Francisco, CA. He served as a Merchant Marine radio officer during WWII and the Vietnam War. He was a pilot for Aleutian Airlines. He was a foreman supervisor for several electronic companies in California. He owned and operated Rainbow Trout Park Fish Hatchery in Boulder Creek, CA and owned and operated a salmon troller out of Santa Cruz Harbor.
He moved to Tubauai in 1980 and lived there for five years where he wrote, was a restaurant manager and did electronic repair. He moved to California where he met his wife, Angelito "Angie" and they were married in the Philippines. She survives. They moved to Rogue River in 1988 and he worked at Wagner Electronics in Rogue River until his retirement in 1994.
He was a ham radio operator with the call sign of KI6US. He enjoyed gardening, inventing, he was an avid reader and supported the local libraries. He built a hover craft, raised parrots and was a volunteer at Wildlife Images.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Timothy Kilburn of Eureka, CA, Brian Kilburn of Aptos, CA and Pete Kilburn of Sequel, CA; three daughters, Terii McDonald of Rogue River, Patsy Little of Aptos, CA and Tami Fox of Los Gatos, CA; 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Mark Kilburn in 1992 and a brother, Peter Kilburn in 1986.
Pauline Haywood
Pauline Cornelia Haywood, 96, of Rogue River, died Monday, January 2, 2006 at Three Rivers Community Hospital after a short illness.
Pauline was born July 15, 1909 in San Jose, CA to Frank and Pauline Landers. She grew up in San Francisco with nine siblings. She lived in Marin County, California for over 60 years where she raised two daughters, Paula and Donna. She worked in the San Anselmo post office and the Ross Hospital. She lived with her daughter, Donna in San Rafael, CA for two years prior to moving to Rogue River to live with her daughter, Paula.
She was a member of the Native Daughters of California doing various charitable works. She was also an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In her younger years, she loved to hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains and swim in the ocean. With her first husband, Albert, she enjoyed fishing on the San Francisco Bay. She often told exciting stories about watching the building construction of the Gold Gate Bridge.
Survivors include two daughters, Paula P. Walker of Rogue River and Donna Lou Albachten of San Rafael, CA; three stepdaughters, Rosemarie Watts of Sandy, UT; Joyce Brown of Napa, CA; and Nadine Guse of Mountville, PA; a sister, Lucylle Brittan of Rohnert Park, CA; grandchildren, Vicki Willey and Ronald Gaither both of Rohnert Park, CA; Shelli Coons of Brier, WA; John Albachten of San Rafael, CA; seven great-grandchildren, and 11 stepgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Albert Joseph Johns in 1951 and her second husband, George Gilbert Haywood in 1991.
Her family and friends will remember her positive attitude, generous nature and her unconditional love for family. She never had a negative thought and was always able to see the bright side of life.
Byron Cummings
Byron Cummings, 83, of Rogue River, died Friday, January 13, 2006 at Providence Medford Medical Center.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, January 18 at Woodville Cemetery. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Byron was born October 19, 1922 in Enterprise, OR to Merl and Dale Cummings. In 1933 he moved with his family to Rogue River where he lived on the same property all his life. During World War II he served in the United States Army in the Pacific Arena. On April 2, 1948 he married Lois Milton. He worked as a log truck driver for 43 years.
He was a member of the NRA and the VFW in Rogue River.
He was a true lover of the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.
In addition to his wife, Lois Cummings, he is survived by a son Merl Cummings; two daughters, Judy Wallace and June Smith; a brother, Pete Cummings; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Goldie Smith
Goldie Agnes B. Smith, 95, of Medford, died Friday, January 20, 2006 at her residence.
Goldie was born on March 13, 1910 at Acme, Alberta Canada to John H. Smith and Agnes Cooper Smith. She was one of eight children.
She married John H. Smith on June 13, 1931 at Lacombe, Alberta Canada. The family moved to the United States in 1948.
Goldie was an artist and painted with oil beautifully. Her love of art was also in photography. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
She is survived by her son, John H. Smith of Spokane, WA; her daughter Rita Sawtelle of Medford; a sister Viva Zachery of Walla Walla, WA; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a foster son Ted Yuen; grandson Robert E. Bivens; and six brothers and sisters.
Tina Kennison
Tina Kennison of Rogue River passed away on January 26, 2006 at her mother's home in Monrovia, CA.
Tina was featured in the pages of the Rogue River Press throughout recent years, with her health struggles chronicled.
Remembrances may be sent to her mother's home, care of Lanita Haney, 231 E. Maple Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016.
Lois Cummings
Lois Cummings, 77, of Rogue River, died Monday, February 6 at Providence Medford Medical Center.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 am February 10 at Woodville Cemetery in Rogue River with Pastor Paul West officiating. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Lois was born to Elmer and Grace Milton on Christmas Day, 1928 in Rogue River. She was a 1947 graduate of Rogue River High School. On April 2, 1948 she married Byron Cummings who preceded her in death January 13, 2006.
She was a member of Rogue River Assembly of God Church.
She was a homemaker and enjoyed decorating cakes and flower gardening. She especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include a son, Merl Cummings; two daughters, Judy Wallace and June Smith; two brothers, Bill Milton and Ralph Milton; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, June Elder.
Beverly Burris
Former Rogue River resident Beverly Burris died on February 20, 2006 in Tucson, AZ.
Beverly lived in Rogue River for 15 years and was actively involved in the Rogue River Kiwanis, the Rogue River Chamber of Commerce and the Miss Rogue River Pageant.
Survivors include her husband Ferrol, daughthers Diane Ferguson of Huntington Beach, CA; Susan Suarez of Rogue River and Renee Lewis of Tucson, three grandsons and one granddaughter.
She will truly be missed by all who knew her.
A family service will be held in Tucson.
Elaine Bradham
Elaine Carol Louise Lindberg Bradham, 91, formerly of Rogue River, died Sunday, February 19, 2006 at Highland House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Grants Pass.
No services are planned. Southern Oregon Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.
She was born December 16, 1914 in Drayton, ND to Carl and Anna Lindberg. In 1944 she married Richard Bradham and the couple had two children. She was a graduate of the University of North Dakota and worked for Northrup and Douglas Aircraft as a mathematician and computer programmer. She taught high school in North Dakota, Minnesota, Vancouver, Washington, and Inglewood and Anaheim, CA. She also worked for Los Angeles County for 25 years as a social worker supervising children's services.
She was a life master and member of the American Contract Bridge League, and a member of the Lutheran Church of the Master of Lancaster, CA.
Her hobbies included playing duplicate bridge, traveling abroad, working crossword puzzles, collecting paper weights and taking trips to Las Vegas.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Richard and Barbara Bradham of Carlsbad, CA daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Jim Evans of Grants Pass; a brother, Harry Lindberg of Madison, WII; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Bradham, Sr. in 1967; and two sisters, Donna Colbert and Irma Hendrikson.
Leota Wright
Leota Wright, 86, of Rogue River died March 2, 2006 at Three Rivers Community Hospital after a brief illness.
Services were held at Chapel of the Valley - L. B. Hall Funeral Home with the Rev. Jim Buell officiating. Committal followed at Granite Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 31 W. 6th St., Medford, OR 97501.
She was born Leota Luise (sic) Hilton, February 19, 1920 in Eureka Springs, AR. In 1934 in Eureka Springs, she married Louis Eugene Wright, who died in September 1974. They moved to Norwalk, CA in 1942, and she worked as a welder in the shipyards during World War II. From 1965 to 2005, she owned and operated adult foster care homes, twelve in California and two in Rogue River, where she had moved in 1994 from Norco, CA.
Leota enjoyed sewing and her family.
Survivors include her two daughters, Juanita Miller and Shirley Winnie, both of Rogue River; two sisters, Eva Jackson of Tulelake, CA and Leona Buell of Harbor, OR; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her two sons, Thomas and Elmer D. Wright, and an infant daughter, Bonnie Jean Wright, died before her.
Margaret Eckert
Former Rogue River resident Margaret Virginia "Peg" Eckert, 84 of Grants Pass, died Friday, February 24, 2006 at Laurel Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. No services will be held. Grants Pass Funeral Alternatives is in charge of arrangements.
She was born May 25, 1921 in Lambertville, NJ. She moved to Rogue River in 1997 from Levittown, PA. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Rogue River. She enjoyed ceramics and needlework.
She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert C. Jr. and Liana Doderer of Cave Junction and William M. and Kathy Doderer of Morrisonville, PA; son-in-law Edd Burbage of Levittown, PA; brother Paul Shepherd, Jr. of Lambertville, NJ; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert C. Doderer, Sr. in 1967 and Robert A. Eckert in 1992, and daughter Carol A. Burbage in 1996.
Gerald "Jerry" Crandall
Jerry Crandall, 78, passed away at his home near Gold Hill on March 2, 2006.
He was born in Orofino, Nebraska November 20, 1927. Jerry joined the Navy during World War II, and served in the South Pacific. After the war, he married Grace Dunlap in 1947. In 1963, they left Chico, California and settled in Rogue River. He worked in Medford, and Gold Hill, until he retired.
Jerry had numerous hobbies including fishing, hunting, camping, rock hounding, and woodworking. He loved being with his family. He always had a ready smile and a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Grace, three loving daughters and their families; Jeanne & Everett Jordan, Sharon & Randy Bryant, and Melanie and Kelly Gutches, all of Gold Hill. He is also survived by four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, five sisters and two brothers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Lovejoy Hospice, Grants Pass.
Henry Moore
Henry "Hank" Moore, 79, of Rogue River, died March 26 at his home. Family services have been held. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors were in charge of arrangements.
Remembrances may be made to Lovejoy Hospice, 939 SE 8th St., Grants Pass, OR 97526.
He was born on February 10, 1927 in DuBois, PA to Henry and Almeda (Clinton) Moore. From 1944 to 1949 he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Mississippi, the U.S.S. Midway and the U.S.S. President Hayes. After his military service he was a millwright for West Coast Forge in Compton, CA for many years. On September 25, 1969 in Los Angeles, CA he married the former Joy Riedl, who survives. He moved with his family from Downey, CA to Rogue River in 1971, where he worked as a millwright for Carolina Pacific and Kogap Manufacturing. In 1994 he retired from Medco in Rogue River.
He was a member of VFW Post 4116 in Rogue River. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and football. He loved being with his family and friends.
In addition to his wife Joy Moore of Rogue River, survivors include his three children, Rob Moore of Grants Pass; Frank Moore of Rogue River; and Brenda Ruiz of Galt, CA; three sisters, Almeda Sperling, Lois Handgartner and Claudia Shaffer, all of DuBois, PA; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
His parents and two sisters, Arlene Weiles of Pittsburgh, PA; and Katherine Rokowsky of Falls Creek, PA, preceded him in death.
